Barb needed to sell, Tim wanted to buy: Shoot straight, be honest and clients come back to you

Last month, I got a call from one of our readers named Barb. She told me that since her husband had lost most of his vision, she needed help in selling his car. Of course, I agreed.

I arranged to take a look at the car and it turned out to be a beautiful one owner 2011 Subaru Legacy. In fact, it was one of the cleanest 10+ year old cars I have ever seen. I looked it over, performed a full inspection, and took a test drive. Then, I asked Barb how much she wanted for the car and this is where we had a difference of opinion.

While Barb had purchased the vehicle new and even though the car had been wonderfully maintained and serviced, not to mention some sentimental value, Barb wanted about $2k more than I thought the car was actually worth. While talking to Barb in person, we made a few phone calls to establish a true valuation of the car. We settled on a reasonable amount. I took the car to my office directly as it did not need detailing.

Strangely, while the vehicle was parked in front of the office, I received a call from Tim, a longtime client who also resides in Beaverton.

He told me that he was in search of a Subaru for his daughter and her favorite color was (drum roll please) red! His budget was in the right place so when I told him about Barb’s car, he said it was a definite maybe but needed to see it for himself.

I had just took photographs of Barb’s car that I was going to list online, so I sent them to Tim. Granted, I am not the best photographer but since Barb did all the hard work of keeping the car in spotless condition (inside and out), Tim told me not to post it online. He would talk to his daughter and be over to see the car after work.

It didn’t seem like much time had passed at all before Tim called back saying that not only was it exactly what his daughter was looking for, but he also asked me if I could sell his daughter’s old 2005 Honda Pilot EXL for him. I said yes, absolutely. And I remember this car. It turns out, this is the same Honda Pilot I sold him a few years back.

Fast forward to 6pm. Tim had arrived with the Honda Pilot and his check book. I showed him the Subaru, and we took a quick test drive. After finishing up the paperwork, Tim was on his way home with his daughter’s new 2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R.

The moral of the story for me is simply this: shoot straight, be honest, and your clients come back to you. Thank you to Barbara for the opportunity and thank you to Tim, for being a loyal long time client.

If anyone wants to purchase a new, or pre-owned vehicle, that is what we do! I can sell your current car for you too. call me at (503) 930-1493 or email fergusonautobrokers@gmail.com